Thursday, 13 February 2014

Update on Joy's Story

Wow, literally so much has happened! I thought I’d give
everyone who isn’t friends with me on Facebook an update on all the exciting
stuff that’s been going on in the past few days. It really is incredible! And I
thought the article in The Siberian Times
was it…

Last night, I found out that a newspaper in Slovakia picked
up my research on Joy and mentioned me in an article on January 31! I’m working
on getting the article translated into English, since unfortunately I don’t
speak Slovak. I can understand the main points, since I know both Russian and
Polish, but I’d really like a full translation! According to google translate,
I was referred to as an “amateur historian” and an “enthusiastic lover of
history.” I can’t believe it!!! It really is amazing, that this story can
travel to so many places. Here is a link to the article in Slovak:

Not only did a newspaper in Slovakia mention me, but my good
friend and flatmate here in Nottingham, Sarah, also wrote an article about my
research for Chips, Luther’s newspaper. Her article was published yesterday,
and not only was it fantastic because she is so talented and brilliant, but I
also made the front page!!! I’m still waiting for my own physical copy to get
here to Notts, but I’ve already asked my friends at Luther to keep a few extra
copies for me anyway. My friends took a picture of my front page status and
sent it to me! Can I get a what what?!?!?

Shout out to my lovely friends Anna and Katie (pictured!) for sending me this pic of my front page article!

I really am at a loss for words to describe how all this
feels. I am so thrilled and truly honored to be mentioned and have all my hard
work credited in major publications! However, the real reason I’m this happy is
because of the publicity this story is receiving. This story is traveling all
over the world, and I am genuinely honored to have been a key figure in its
journey. I care SO much about this story, and it is so important to me both
personally and as a historian. The saga of the Romanovs is one that is known
throughout the world—it is a story that is entrenched in grief and tragedy. I,
too, feel the pain of this heartbreak. I am so passionate about Russian
history, about the Romanovs, and about this little dog named Joy, that the end
result truly does matter to me. I care. I really, really, care.

And knowing that Joy lived, that is a story that I want everyone
to know. I want everyone who picks up a book about the Romanovs, like I did,
and who cried over this tragedy, like I did, and who felt their loss, like I did, to know this story. To
appreciate this small silver lining in an otherwise awful and depressing tale.
I want people to know. People need to know, people need to know about Joy.

Thank you so much to everyone who has listened to me talk
about this story for years, who has supported me in my research, and who have
publicized this story I care so much about to the whole world.